WILLISTON, N.D.,- Students from WSC's Diesel and Transportation program attended their final field trip to Tractor & Equipment Co. (a local CAT dealership) May 12th. Transportation Instructor and TAACCCT Grant Director Brian Rencher explained, "I quickly learned that our students were feeling intimidated by dealership's size so I met with the advisory board and we decided to add dealership field trips to the program." Students went on six field trips over the semester.
Rencher and his students were met with smiles and welcomes from everyone at T&E. Lance Bevier, T&E Project Support Manager took the class to T&E's boardroom and gave history of CAT and Tractor & Equipment in the Williston Area. "Since becoming an authorized Caterpillar Dealer in 1929, Tractor & Equipment Co. has grown from its roots in Sidney, Montana, to a multi-store operation servicing central and eastern Montana, western North Dakota, and northern Wyoming," Bevier stated. "We will be on our fourth generation of ownership when J.W. Harnish takes over the company."
After understanding how T&E has become successful, Bevier provided CAT hats for the students as they went to explore the building. With safety goggles on, students looked around at massive machinery while learning about training T&E provides to their workers. "Opening the students eyes to the potential job opportunities with a great company like Tractor & Equipment Co, was just what this course needed," Rencher explained. "Students need to see first hand and meet with employees to understand that dealerships are not intimidating but are welcoming."
T&E has already hired one of Rencher's students, Bobby Squires. "One of the best things that students can do is find employment while attending school," Rencher explained. "Squires is taking advantage of the job opportunities here and has found success with skills he learned in the classroom at WSC."
For more information contact, Brian Rencher at 701.339.5383
or for other information regarding Williston State, visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.